Legal Counsel

We’re looking for a proactive, business-minded attorney with 2–5 years of experience to support our Legal Department. This in-house role offers a dynamic mix of litigation and dispute management, contract drafting and negotiation, and day-to-day legal guidance for internal teams. Experience in franchise law is a plus, but not required. If you're a junior attorney eager to grow your career with an iconic hospitality brand, we’d love to hear from you! This position is in-office Monday–Thursday, with a hybrid schedule on Fridays, and reports directly to the General Counsel. Please include a cover letter with your application. Duties and Responsibilities • Litigation & Dispute Management: o Oversee pre-litigation matters and manage active litigation in collaboration with outside counsel. o Review pleadings, monitor case strategy and progress, and help manage litigation budgets and timelines. o Maintain internal systems for litigation tracking, reporting, and risk assessment. o Assist with litigation holds; discovery responses; and gathering documents requested in discovery or by third parties. o Assist with insurance issues related to litigation, including coverage disputes and communication with third parties • Commercial Contracts: o Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, NDAs, and technology agreements. o Provide practical, risk-based advice to internal stakeholders during contract negotiations. • Franchise Support: o Provide legal guidance on franchise-related matters, including franchisee disputes, terminations, and contract enforcement. o Collaborate on updates to franchise agreements and disclosure documents as needed. o Review and draft franchise documents for transfers, new openings, and terminations and support the Contracts team as needed. • General Legal Support: o Support cross-functional teams including operations, marketing, sales, and HR on a variety of legal issues. o Assist in developing internal legal resources, policies, and training materials. o Stay informed on relevant legal and regulatory developments. • Regulatory & Risk Management o Maintain policies and procedures to promote a culture of compliance across the franchise network. o Track regulatory developments and implement changes in compliance practices as needed. o Monitor and assist with insurance compliance of franchisees. o Other duties as assigned. Qualifications • Required o J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing. o 2–5 years of legal experience, including experience in litigation management and/or commercial contract review. o Excellent written and verbal communication skills. o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear, business-oriented legal advice. o Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and managing multiple priorities. o Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively. o Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office • Preferred o Experience working in-house or advising clients in a franchising, multi-unit, or consumer-facing business model. o Familiarity with the legal and regulatory framework governing franchising (FTC Franchise Rule, state laws, etc.). o Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets. Admission to any United States State Bar

Created: 2025-09-23